Fall Fling/Tour de Trees -- Oct 19-20 2024
Tour de Trees, which is held at Lake Eufaula in eastern Oklahoma, is the last cycling/camping ride of the year, the last of the really great weather and, for some, the last hurrah before mounting the bike onto the trainer.
The starting time for Saturday is a fairly late 9:00 AM to give people time to drive there on the day of the ride. More than half the route uses rural roads with only local traffic. The more traveled roads, Highway 9 and 69, both have wide shoulders. Sunday’s start time is usually a bit earlier since all participants are already in camp. The starting time will be announced Saturday night at the campfire.
The “official” starting point both days is the Dogwood Campground. The Saturday route is a 63-mile ride through Porum, Warner and Checotah, or 42-mile route that goes to Checotah and back (not the same as the Sunday route) has been developed and there are usually quite a few riders who take that option. Other than that, it’s an out to someplace and return. The road across the Lake Eufaula dam is still closed and there is still work being done on the Hwy 69 bridge, so the old route through the town of Eufaula is no possible this year.
We will be camping at Dogwood Campground. It has both RV and tent camping and showers. PLEASE NOTE: RV site reservations are required. THIS LINK will take you to the reservation page for Lake Eufaula State Park. Select the Dogwood Campground to proceed. All vehicles require a parking pass to stay overnight. See details at the link above.
Saturday evening, we will experience once again the World Famous OBS Potluck Dinner. Bring a dish to contribute and don't forget something to serve your delectable delight if necessary. Everyone also please bring your own plates, bowls and eating utensils. And, don't forget your lawn chair or camp chair unless you want to stand up all the time.
The Sunday morning breakfast ride will most likely go to whatever restaurant we can find open in Checotah (hopefully, Sallies Cafe, 716 W. Gentry) . Of late, there has been quite a turnover in restaurants and changes in who does and doesn’t serve Sunday breakfast. Round-trip distance is about 27 miles. Of course, there may be those who don't want to eat in a restaurant. The only other options are to make your own breakfast in camp, or get a carry out meal. There is a city park in Checotah at 801 Cemetery Ave in Checotah if you want to get a carry out meal and eat in a park.
CONTACT: John Wente–Home 405-354-2301 Cell 405-618-0893 (please leave a message if no answer) or email jwente1 at cox dot net.
AREA MOTELS:
Lake Eufaula Inn (918-473-2376) – about 4.5 miles from camping area on Hwy 150.
Eufaula Best Western (918-689-5553) – about 9.5 miles from camping area at 1300 Birkes Rd in Eufaula. (Best motel in the area!)